Pupil Representation
As part of their development and opportunity to secure Cultural Capital, we believe it is important for the pupils to be involved with some key roles within school.
Over the course of their years at St Joseph’s, the children are provided with opportunities to work, represent and assist in key areas. Below are some of the examples of pupil representation at St Joseph’s.
Prefects
Pupils in Year 6 are given the opportunity to apply for the role of Prefect. These sought-after positions play a key role in the running of the school, assisting in key areas and representing the school. The role includes - patrolling corridors, assisting the Office team, helping ensure good conduct around the school and supporting at events such as Parent’s Evenings.
Reading Ambassadors
Being a Reading Ambassador is all about reading for pleasure and sharing the deep enjoyment of reading a great book with others. Reading Ambassadors are voted for by their class based upon their love of reading and their enthusiasm for sharing this. There has been much research to show that children who read regularly at home perform better at school. As well as being academically beneficial, it is great for wellbeing and is also lots of fun! The role of a Reading Ambassador also includes running reading assemblies, helping to organise and run school book fairs and World Book Week, assisting in purchasing new books to ensure book areas are inviting and up to date and reading and reviewing books to help other children through their recommendations.
Choir
Our Choir Mistress, Mrs Lester, runs our school choir. All children from KS2 are welcome to audition to join our choir. Rehearsals take place after school 3.30-4.30. Our choir perform at lots of events, both in public and in school. Recently, our choir have performed at the switching on of the Oxton Christmas lights, the Secret Gardens of Oxton charity event, the Floral Pavillion Spotlight on Youth, the Birkenhead Festival of Music and the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough to the families of those who lost loved ones in the Hillsborough tragedy.
School Council
Our School Council is a pupil elected body. The term of office is 12 months; each year pupils from Y2-6 who would like to run for office commence an election campaign outlining what they could bring to the school. This then culminates in a polling day where pupils vote for their class representation, with two council members from each class being elected. The school council meet weekly, facilitated by Miss Ward. They are an integral part to our school decision making process and participate in the appointment of Senior staff posts, fundraising, spending and other areas such as behaviour and conduct systems. They are a point of contact for all children in their class and bring the views and issues of their peers to the attention of Senior staff.
Mini Vinnies
Mini Vinnies are a part of the St Vincent De Paul Society - an organisation dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms and spreading the hope and love of God. Mini Vinnies work across the school and go out in to the community to help make a difference to others. In school they lead younger children in prayer and Collective Worship, offer support and guidance and arrange fundraising events, such as cake sales or food donations. They then distribute items to Food Banks, Homeless Shelters and projects to help those who are less fortunate.
Sports
There are lots of opportunities for the pupils to represent St Joseph’s at various sporting events. We have had lots of success, including winning regional, national and international competitions. Pupils have taken part in events at Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Tranmere FC and our girls football team played in a cup final match at Wembley Stadium.
Play Leaders
Pupils in Year 6 are given the opportunity to apply for the role of Play Leader. This post involves the pupils assisting on the Key Stage 1 playground over lunchtime. They organise and facilitate games, interact with the younger children and generally help and support them with friendships, relationships etc. They are provided with training on game design, mediation and de-escalation techniques in order to help the young children have a good playground experience.
